The drama surrounding Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has refused to die down, with India’s refusal to shake hands after the match on September 14 spiralling into a series of events.
Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft to the ICC, and even threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup. However, it looks like PCB has baked down from these threats, as they now are set to face India once again, this time in the Super Four stage of the tournament on September 21 (Sunday).
Initially, the PCB refused to send the Pakistan team to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17 (Wednesday) unless and until Andy Pycroft was removed. ICC had earlier rejected two letters sent by the PCB to adhere to this request. After that PCB president Mohsin Naqvi had no choice but to relent, and sent the team to the stadium with the match vs UAE beginning one hour after the scheduled time.
Negotiations were held between ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta with Mohsin Naqvi, with the apex international body reiterating the fact that Pycroft had committed no breach of the Code of Conduct. Then subsequent meetings with Pycroft, Pakistan catain Salman Agha, head coach Mike Hesson and the team manager was held.
After all negotiations were done, Pakistan accepted the no-handshake policy that will once again be followed during the Super Four stage match against India.
Pakistan Defeat UAE, Qualify For Super Four
Pakistan secured a 41-run victory over the UAE in their final Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025, setting up a Super Four clash against India. The match, delayed by an hour due to off-field tensions, saw Pakistan post 146/9 in 20 overs, riding on a half-century from Fakhar Zaman.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout performer, contributing an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls and taking 2 wickets for 16 runs in 3 overs. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed also claimed two wickets each, restricting the UAE to 105 all out in 17.4 overs.